Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) introduced the BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025 to expedite access to Medicare coverage for individuals battling young-onset Alzheimer’s disease (YOAD).
YOAD refers to any stage of dementia diagnosed before the age of 65. Nearly 1 in 1,000 Americans between ages 30 and 64 are affected, and the roughly 200,000 individuals living with Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease face significant vulnerabilities—particularly when government delays hinder timely access to care.
“A diagnosis of young-onset Alzheimer’s is devastating enough — families shouldn’t be forced to wait months for the care they need now,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic delays so patients can access Medicare coverage immediately. This commonsense fix puts patients and families first when every moment matters.”
“These waiting periods have caused patients to suffer because they cannot access the care they need without the support of Social Security Disability Insurance to immediately access Medicare coverage,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “This legislation will provide not only relief to those with Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, but to their families and caregivers as well.”
“For people with young-onset Alzheimer’s, any delay in care leaves families with less effective treatments as they face the cruel progression of this terrible disease,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “The arbitrary 29-month waiting period for benefits and health coverage is often an insurmountable barrier to quality care, which is unacceptable. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure timely access to care for people with young onset Alzheimer’s.”
“Alzheimer’s does not wait, and neither should access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. The bipartisan BRIDGE Act for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025 will make sure individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer’s get timely access to care,” said Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) president. “This is a critical step toward meeting the needs of families living with this disease. We are grateful to the bipartisan leaders who introduced this bill and look forward to working together to advance it.”
“No one should be denied timely access to care simply because of their age,” said Jim Taylor, CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s. “The BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act will ensure that individuals diagnosed before age 65 aren’t left without coverage from the very moment early intervention could slow disease progression. We’re deeply grateful to our congressional sponsors for championing this critical reform and standing with families racing against Alzheimer’s.”
“This legislation gives people like me and thousands of others the chance to access the treatments and care we desperately need when we need it,” said Jennifer Puebla, Mission Viejo, CA resident and care partner to Kevin, 52, who is living with Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. “Congress must act now to end this waiting period and put health and dignity first.”
The BRIDGE for YOAD Act of 2025 reduces government delays and improves healthcare access for individuals with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease by:
- Amending title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting period for disability insurance benefits; and
- Waiving the 29-month waiting period for Medicare coverage
This legislation has been endorsed by the Voices of Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Read full bill text HERE.
